Dog Food Calculator
Find out exactly how much food your dog needs per day based on their weight, age, and activity level.
Your Dog's Info
Daily Calories
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kcal/day
Food Per Day
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cups (standard kibble)
Max Treat Calories
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kcal (10% rule)
Daily Water
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ounces
Feeding Schedule
Size Category
Disclaimer: These are general guidelines. Every dog is different. Consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding recommendations, especially for puppies, pregnant/nursing dogs, or dogs with health conditions. Sources: AAHA Nutritional Guidelines, WSAVA Nutrition Toolkit, NRC (National Research Council).
Breed-Specific Feeding Tips
Small Breeds (Chihuahua, Yorkie, Pomeranian)
Fast metabolisms mean they need calorie-dense food served in smaller, more frequent portions. Hypoglycemia risk in puppies -- never skip meals. Choose small-breed kibble for smaller jaw sizes.
Medium Breeds (Beagle, Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel)
Most versatile feeding requirements. Watch for breed-specific obesity tendencies (Beagles, Labs). Standard adult formulas work well. Two meals per day is ideal.
Large Breeds (German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler)
Use large-breed formulas with glucosamine for joint support. Controlled growth is critical for puppies -- overfeeding causes skeletal problems. Elevated bowls may help reduce bloat risk.
Giant Breeds (Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Mastiff)
Slow, controlled growth is essential -- giant breed puppy food limits calcium and phosphorus. Adults need carefully portioned meals 2-3 times daily. Bloat (GDV) risk is high; avoid exercise after eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is RER (Resting Energy Requirement) calculated?
RER = 70 x (body weight in kg)^0.75. This is the baseline caloric need at rest. We then multiply by a factor based on age, activity level, and spay/neuter status to get the Daily Energy Requirement (DER).
Should I feed my dog wet food or dry kibble?
Both are nutritionally complete if they meet AAFCO standards. Dry kibble is more calorie-dense (~375 kcal/cup), helps with dental health, and is more affordable. Wet food has higher moisture content and may be better for dogs who do not drink enough water. Many owners mix both.
How much water should my dog drink daily?
The general rule is 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. Active dogs, nursing mothers, and dogs on dry-food-only diets may need more. Always keep fresh water available.
My dog is overweight. How should I adjust feeding?
Reduce daily calories by 10-20% and increase exercise gradually. Use the "low activity" setting and consult your vet for a weight management plan. Green beans and pumpkin are great low-calorie fillers. Avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all day).